Statement attributed to AFLPA General Manager of Legal, Megan Comerford: 

The AFL Players’ Association reiterates its condolences for the pain and suffering Shane Tuck and the Tuck family have, and continue to, endure. 

We are grateful for the time taken by the Victorian State Coroner, His Honour Judge John Cain, to assess the detail of the AFL concussion frameworks and acknowledge His Honour’s findings. It is critical that our industry, and broader sporting community, continue to learn and evolve in relation to concussion and head trauma, based on up-to-date, evidence-based information. 

The AFLPA has consistently advocated for improvements around reducing and managing head knocks and concussion in our members, and we look forward to discussing the Coroner’s recommendations in more detail with the AFL. We will also respond to the Coroner formally, as required by the Court, when appropriate, and as such will not be making further comment at this time. 

We note the Coroner’s satisfaction with the AFLPA’s role as a professional organisation that supports elite players in an appropriate and consistent manner. 

It remains clear that more work needs to be done to protect, care for and support current and past players who have, and will continue to, put their bodies on the line so the industry can prosper. 

-ENDS-